Mark Joins Calls for a Supermarket Regulator

Mark Oaten has today signed Early Day Motion 376 which calls on the Government to introduce an independent supermarket regulator.

The EDM, tabled by Mark’s Liberal Democrat colleague Tim Farron MP, expresses concern that discussions between supermarkets and the Competition Commission, over the regulation of the supply chain between farmers and retailers, has stalled.

Supermarket treatment of their suppliers, particularly British farmers, has often come under the spot light and there is a need to better regulate the industry.

An independent regulator, as proposed by the Liberal Democrats, would have a proactive role to scrutinise supermarkets practice towards their suppliers. Such a monitoring system would go further than other proposals to create an Ombudsman which could only react to complaints.

Mark Oaten stated:

“I represent a rural constituency and during the 12 years I’ve been an MP I have met with many farmers and others involved in the farming industry. This issue of fair treatment throughout the supply chain has come up time and again.

“So I couldn’t agree more with the text of this EDM. It’s about time the supply chain was better regulated to ensure fair prices are paid to farmers for their produce. If the industry delay and delay over implementing it then Government should step in and establish a regulator.